Martial arts have become extremely popular over the last twenty years as the advent of satellite TV has literally brought them to the masses. As our society has also increasingly succumbed to crime, more and more people have seen fit to arm themselves against possible violence. Martial arts provides a way of doing this while combinig with several other benefits also.
The various styles of Martial Arts teach values such as discipline and self-control, which is why many parents send their children to classes as well. There are various styles and this article will give you a quick guide to the most popular.
Karate – Karate originated in China and is characterised by its various stances. It is the most popular and the one renowned as the best for self-defence. As a result of that, many individuals enjoy learning and take much that they can actually use, should it be necessary, from it.
There are many formal training sets to be learned and the belt system is famous worldwide. The latter always gives you something to work for to counterbalance the fun that can be had by all with a very real purpose. Many experts advise that a child be around the age of 10 when he or she begins to learn karate. However, the minimum age given by most karate schools is 8.
Tae Kwon Do – Originally from Korea and referred to as TKD, Tae Kwon Do is a combat sport that is also popular amongst those looking for a grounding in self-defence and a fun means of exercise.
It is characterised by the kicks that feature in all training sets, but the members of a class are encouraged to practice their skills in the controlled environment that it provides against each other. There is no uniform style as it varies from club to club, but the skills are transferable between them. There is no minimum age for beginning to learn Tae Kwon Do, but the accepted minimum is around the age of 4.
Judo – Judo originated in Japan and is now one of the most popular martial arts around the world. It mixes groundwork with footwork for a low impact style that provides a good workout and is most definitely an asset you can use when it comes to protecting yourself. There are competitions for all levels of individuals as well as ages and weights so you can keep fit and have something to aim for.
Most people start in their twenties but you are never too young or too old to start practicing Judo. The youngest children practicing the sport begin at around the age of 4.
Kung Fu – Kung Fu is another popular martial art and have been since the 1960s. It is also perhaps the most famous thanks to references to it in popular culture. From China, Kung Fu encourages individuals to stand up and fight in hand to hand combat. It can be extremely exciting and there are competitions all around the world for different levels and weights of people! Although it is perceived as an adults’ martial art, children of 10 years of age and up can learn it.
For more information on martial arts and the classes that are available in your area, you can go to the following links!
• http://martialartsinc.com - Martial Arts Incorporated - This website will give you a timetable, price list and other great resources that you can use to find the best martial arts course for you and your family.
• http://www.kerrykarate.com - FSKD Ireland – With courses all over Ireland, this site can help you to find classes in your area in a variety of martial arts, including evening and weekend classes that you can easily fit into your schedule.
• http://www.kenpokarate.ie - Kenopo Karate – This martial arts school is one of the best in Ireland and located in Kilkenny. If this is local to you then it is definitely worth a look!
• http://www.waterfordmartialarts.com - Waterford Martial Arts Centre – This site highlights the martial arts activities in the Waterford area and gives you a class guide on what is available for all ages and experience levels.
Findacourse.ie lists several Martial Arts courses in our Fitness and Health course listings.
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